Print Subsystem Modernization Guide

Print Subsystem by MPI Tech converts AFP (Advanced Function Presentation) print output from z/OS systems into formats compatible with PCL and PostScript printers. It also enables the conversion of AFP output to Adobe PDF files. This allows organizations to utilize a wider range of printers and digital document formats for their mainframe-generated output.

Print Subsystem is middleware. It sits between the z/OS applications generating AFP output and the printers or systems that require PCL, PostScript, or PDF formats. It provides the necessary conversion and formatting to ensure compatibility.

Organizations that rely on z/OS for their core business applications and need to print AFP output on a variety of printers or create PDF documents will find Print Subsystem valuable. This includes enterprises in industries such as banking, insurance, and government.

Consider Print Subsystem when you need to modernize your mainframe printing infrastructure, reduce printing costs by using standard PCL/PostScript printers, or create archival-quality PDF documents from your AFP output. It is also useful when integrating mainframe applications with modern document management systems.

Alternatives include other AFP conversion products, such as those from IBM or other third-party vendors. Some organizations may choose to rewrite their applications to directly generate PCL or PostScript output, but this is a more complex and costly approach.

Print Subsystem runs on z/OS and z/VM. It requires access to the AFP print streams generated by z/OS applications. It typically operates within an LPAR and may require specific subsystems to be active, depending on the configuration.

Print Subsystem requires a z/OS or z/VM environment with AFP print streams. It needs access to printers that support PCL or PostScript, or a system capable of creating PDF files. Sufficient storage and processing power are also necessary to handle the conversion process.

The core components include the AFP conversion engine, the PCL/PostScript formatting modules, and the PDF generation module. These components communicate through internal APIs and data streams to transform the AFP input into the desired output format.

Print Subsystem integrates with z/OS print management systems, such as JES2 or JES3, to capture AFP print streams. It can also integrate with document management systems via standard file transfer protocols or APIs to deliver converted PDF documents.

By enabling the use of standard PCL and PostScript printers, Print Subsystem can significantly reduce printing costs compared to specialized AFP printers. It also allows for the creation of PDF documents, which can streamline document archiving and distribution, reducing paper and storage costs.

Print Subsystem helps organizations modernize their mainframe printing infrastructure, making it more flexible and adaptable to changing business needs. It also improves document accessibility by providing PDF output, which can be easily shared and viewed on various devices.

The primary benefit is the ability to leverage existing z/OS applications and AFP print streams while outputting to modern printer technologies and digital formats. This avoids costly application rewrites and allows organizations to maintain their investment in mainframe systems.

Print Subsystem leverages z/OS security features to control access to AFP print streams and converted output. It supports authentication methods such as RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret. Access control is typically based on user IDs and group memberships.

The access control model is typically based on Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), where users are assigned roles that define their permissions to access and process AFP print streams. This allows administrators to manage user access efficiently.

Print Subsystem provides audit logging capabilities to track user access, conversion activities, and any errors that occur during processing. These logs can be integrated with SIEM systems for security monitoring and analysis.

Print Subsystem is typically deployed on-premise within the z/OS environment. The implementation requires technical expertise in z/OS, AFP printing, and network configuration. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, managing print queues, and ensuring data security.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, managing print queues, and ensuring data security. Regular maintenance is required to apply updates and patches. Staffing requirements include personnel with z/OS and printing expertise.

Common implementation challenges include configuring the system to correctly interpret AFP print streams, ensuring compatibility with different printer models, and integrating with existing security and audit logging systems. Proper planning and testing are essential for a successful implementation.